US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) issued a strong warning to Iran, cautioning that the country would face severe consequences if it attempts
to rebuild its ballistic missile or nuclear programmes. Speaking to the media at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said the US was closely monitoring Iran’s actions. “I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down,” Trump said. He added that while reports of Iran’s actions were yet to be confirmed, any wrongdoing would invite a forceful response. “I don't want to say it, but Iran may have been behaving badly. It hasn't been confirmed yet, but if it is, they know the consequences. The consequences will be powerful, maybe more powerful than last time,” he said. Trump further remarked that Iran had missed earlier opportunities for diplomacy, stating, “Iran should have made a deal last time. I had given them an option.”
Trump on regime change in Iran
When asked whether he would support the overthrow of Iran’s ruling regime, President Trump avoided a direct endorsement but sharply criticised the country’s economic and political conditions.“I am not going to talk about the overthrow of a regime. They have got a lot of problems there. They have tremendous inflation. Their economy is no good, and the people aren’t happy,” he told reporters.
Trump also pointed to ongoing unrest in Iran, alleging that authorities frequently respond to dissent with violence.
“Every time they have a riot, or whenever somebody forms a group, big or small, they start shooting people. They kill people. I have watched this for years. There is tremendous discontent,” he said.
Gaza conflict and Hamas disarmament on the agenda
The US President also emphasised the urgency of addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing it as a key focus of his discussions with the Israeli Prime Minister.“We are going to be dealing on Gaza, that’s why this very great Prime Minister is here. We are going to talk about Gaza. We are talking about a lot of things. We have about five major subjects that we are discussing, and Gaza will be one of them,” Trump said.
He stressed the need for a swift and comprehensive peace plan, adding, “We have to have a peace plan for Gaza as quickly as we can. There has to be a disarmament of Hamas.”
Netanyahu praises Trump’s support for Israel
Following the meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to praise President Trump’s leadership and support for Israel.“Israel has never had a friend in the White House like President Trump. His leadership, clarity, and unwavering support for Israel are exceptional,” Netanyahu wrote. “True friendship is proven in moments of challenge, and President Trump has stood with Israel every step of the way.”
